Ep 21. The Fresh Catch

Lidia's Kitchen season 6 episode 21, titled "The Fresh Catch," takes viewers on a culinary journey to explore fresh seafood dishes. Host Lidia Bastianich is a world-renowned chef who is passionate about Italian cuisine, and in this episode, she showcases her expertise with seafood preparation.

The episode opens with Lidia receiving a delivery of fresh fish from her local fishmonger. She explains how she loves getting fresh seafood and how to select the best fish. She shows off her impressive fish filleting skills, which are necessary to create the dishes she has planned.

For the first dish, Lidia prepares a recipe for Sicilian-style grilled swordfish. The dish is simple but flavorful, with the swordfish being marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, fresh parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. The fish is then grilled to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy flesh that is full of flavor. The dish is served with a side of grilled vegetables, which provide the perfect accompaniment to the fish.

Next, Lidia prepares an Italian classic, Fritto Misto. This dish is a wonderful way to showcase a variety of seafood, and Lidia’s version includes shrimp, squid, and zucchini. The seafood is coated in a light batter of flour and egg and then fried until golden brown. The dish is served with a squeeze of lemon juice, which adds a lovely brightness to the dish. The result is a crispy, delicious dish that is perfect for sharing.

For the third dish, Lidia prepares a recipe for seafood risotto, a dish that is popular throughout Italy. Lidia explains how she uses seafood stock to create a rich and flavorful base for the risotto. She then adds a mixture of clams, mussels, and shrimp, which cook perfectly in the creamy rice. The dish is finished with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The result is a decadent and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special occasion.

Lastly, Lidia prepares a recipe for a classic Italian seafood stew called Zuppa di Pesce. The dish features a variety of seafood, including clams, mussels, shrimp, and squid, all simmered together in a rich tomato-based broth. Lidia adds fresh herbs and a splash of wine to round out the flavors. The dish is served with toasted bread, which is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.

Throughout the episode, Lidia gives viewers tips and tricks for cooking with seafood, including how to properly clean and prepare the fish and how to tell if it is fresh. Her enthusiasm for Italian cuisine and seafood is infectious, making it easy to feel inspired to try out some of these dishes in one's own kitchen.

In conclusion, Lidia's Kitchen season 6 episode 21 "The Fresh Catch" is a must-watch for anyone who loves seafood and Italian cuisine. Lidia's passion for cooking and her expertise in seafood preparation make her a wonderful guide for exploring the world of seafood dishes. This episode showcases some of the best seafood recipes in Italian cuisine and provides valuable tips and tricks for cooking with seafood.